A large part of Brazil’s Copa America success wasn’t the free-flowing, blustering football we have come to expect from one of the game’s most recognisable nations, but rather a foundation of solidity that allowed the attacking players to thrive. Indeed, Coutinho was the competition’s highest rated player, with a 7.73 rating, but of the top six best performers at the Copa America; two were defensive minded Brazilians.
Dani Alves finished the tournament with a WhoScored rating of 7.60 with compatriot Casemiro following suit with a 7.55. Impressively still is Brazil didn’t concede a goal from open play on home turf, with Paolo Guerrero the only player to break the Selecao resolve as he hit the back of the net from the penalty spot in the final earlier this month.
Tite has implemented a resolve that means Brazil are rarely tested by opponents as only Argentina (6) and Uruguay (7.3) conceded fewer shots per game than the Copa America champions (7.5) at this summer’s competition as a midfield duo of Casemiro and Arthur shielded Thiago Silva, Marquinhos and Alisson with aplomb in a 4-2-3-1 setup.
Not only did this mean that Brazil were difficult to break down through the middle, but it presented the full-backs with the opportunity to push forward and support the attack. By the end of the Copa America, Tite’s preferred setup saw Gabriel Jesus and Everton cut infield from the right and left wings, respectively, which opened up space for the full-backs to bomb into, something that both Alves and either Filipe Luis or Alex Sandro relished.
Alves especially made up for lost time having been forced to miss last summer’s World Cup after he damaged the cruciate ligament in his right knee in PSG’s French Cup success. The experienced full-back’s absence was felt in Russia as stand in Fagner offered nowhere near as much offensively as Alves, with the 36-year-old one of the stars of the Copa America, ultimately making the WhoScored team of the tournament.
While he had a direct hand in just the one goal at the competition, that coming in Brazil’s 5-0 thrashing of eventual finalists Peru in the group stages, it didn’t stop Alves from getting forward on a whim as he completed 14 dribbles, the fifth most at the competition. What’s more, he was the only player to make in excess of 100 successful final third passes, making 102, yet remained defensively sound, making 15 tackles, that ranking among the top 10 players, and winning possession in the defensive third more times (25) than any other player.
His good performances in Brazil saw him land his 42nd winners’ medal of his career, a fine haul indeed. What’s all the more impressive still is that midway through the tournament, Alves announced he was leaving PSG after two years in France, so as a free agent, his Copa America outings gave food for thought for any team considering a move for Alves.
Even at 36 years of age, the right-back can be a handy pick up on a free, even if just for one season. As his trophy return shows, he is a serial winner and for teams aiming for silverware in the coming campaign, Alves is well worth a look in. “The only thing that I can say is that the club that signs me will sign a true champion,” the Brazil star said this week and while a decision on his future is yet to be made, there is a lengthy list of admirers.
Arsenal are in the market for a new experienced right-back following Stephan Lichtsteiner’s exit and have been linked with a move for Alves, who worked with Unai Emery for a season in Paris. The chance to link up with Pep Guardiola again is also an option, though the relationship between player and manager may have soured after Alves’ decision to move to PSG ahead of Manchester City two years ago. Tottenham are also looking to add a new right-back to the squad as Kieran Trippier’s exit looks to be confirmed sooner rather than late and it would off the player the chance to link up with former PSG duo Serge Aurier and Lucas Moura in London.
Even after playing a bit part role for Thomas Tuchel’s PSG last season, Alves still cropped up with seven assists in Ligue 1, a return only Kenny Lala (9) and Pedro Rebocho (8) bettered of defenders. His attacking intent at the Copa America shows that Alves is proving age is but a number as the right-back bombards forward without a second’s hesitation and it’s this approach that would serve as a huge benefit to suitors, be it at right-back or right wing-back.
Tournament football may provide just a microcosm of a player’s qualities, but every football fan is aware of Alves’ ability and that he is currently a free agent means it is no shock that interested parties are keen on securing his services. His future won’t decided in the immediate future, but whoever does win the race to sign Alves will be acquiring a born winner.
